Kuwaiti Defense Minister in Egypt for Air Defense Deal

Kuwaiti Defense Minister Jaber Mubarak Al Sabah arrived in Cairo Tuesday to complete a $120 million deal for an Egyptian air defense system.

Kuwaiti Defense Minister Jaber Mubarak Al Sabah arrived in Cairo Tuesday to complete a $120 million deal for an Egyptian air defense system, said reports.

The Kuwaiti minister is expected to spend several days in Egypt in an effort to sign a contract for the Amoun air defense system.

Gulf defense sources told the Middle East Newsline (MENL) that Sabah planned to announce a deal at the end of his visit.

Amoun is a standard air defense system comprising surface- to-air missiles and anti-aircraft guns linked to a fire control radar network.

Kuwait is negotiating for the purchase of two air defense systems in what Sabah said would amount to a $120 million deal.

The Gulf state plans to retain an option on another three systems, said MENL.

Some Kuwaiti parliamentarians have complained that the Amoun air defense system is unnecessary. They said the system -- first purchased in Kuwait in 1988 -- is outdated and that Kuwait has access to advanced anti-aircraft weapons from the West, according to the news service.

Sabah rejected the criticism of the arms deals.

He previously said the military would not be starved for funds and would continue to procure defense systems - Albawaba.com